Pops: Manu likely to return in New Jersey

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Nolan
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Pops: Manu likely to return in New Jersey 

Post#1 » by Nolan » Wed Feb 8, 2012 11:44 pm

[urhttp://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/02/08/pop-manu-likely-to-play-in-new-jersey/l][/url]

Speaking before tonight’s game against the 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center, coach Gregg Popovich called Ginobili “likely” for the game against the Nets. In fact, Popovich said Ginobili — who will miss his 22nd game since fracturing his shooting hand Jan. 2 in Minnesota — tried to bargain his way onto the floor in Philadelphia.

“I think it’s too early,” Popovich said about the prospect of Ginobili playing against the Sixers. “We’d like to get him into a 5-on-5 situation before he plays. I think we’ll be able to do that this week.

“Probably New Jersey is the first time he’ll be allowed to play, I think,” Popovich said. “I think it’s likely.”


Its going to be interesting to see what happens when he comes back. Neal, Green, Leonard and RJ have all been solid in Manu's absence and its going to interesting to see how Pops works Manu back into the rotation.
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Re: Pops: Manu likely to return in New Jersey 

Post#2 » by SinJackal » Fri Feb 10, 2012 9:44 am

Even though the Spurs don't "need" Manu for these next three games (all weak teams), I think it's actually a good idea to bring him back for them. The Spurs (and Manu) will have a lot more room for error and experimentation in the upcoming week, so it's the perfect time to work him back into things. I doubt Manu's conditioning is going to be that bad because he just hurt one of his fingers, not his legs or back. He's likely been working out the entire time.

The only thing that irks me about it is that it had to be his shooting hand. So his shot's going to be off and his handles might be a little loose for awhile. Still, at least it wasn't an ankle again.
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Re: Pops: Manu likely to return in New Jersey 

Post#3 » by co_laper » Fri Feb 10, 2012 10:22 am

While I think Gary Neal should be the odd man out with Manu's return, my gut feeling says it's Kawhi that's gonna be the odd man out especially come playoff time.

Right now, Kawhi's best attribute is his one on one defense. That's why he only get big minutes when there's a top perimeter offensive player on the opposing team. When there isn't one, his impact isn't too noticable. At the same time, Pop is using Kawhi in the regular season to learn some stuff about those great players. The playoff isn't likely to be the time for him to learn. It's gonna be one of those situations like George Hill where this playoff might not be for him yet.

It might create a backup SF void behind Jefferson, but the Spurs have used Ginobili at SF plenty of times when we ran a Parker-Hill-Manu lineup. Not to mention we're already been using some games with Green at SF now. Also Neal and Green has been getting some burn at starting SG in expense of Kawhi. This could be a sign of things to come. Manu is probably best with the 2nd unit this year with his injury and how well we're currently playing.

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